The Importance of Sleep

It is not a surprise that when you lack sleep or sleep poorly, you aren’t at your top efficiency for the day.  What may surprise you, however, is how much a lack of sleep actually affects your body, your brain, and your skin:
Body

• Appetite
• Growth
• High Blood pressure
• Immune system
• Stress hormones
• Cardiovascular health
• Breathing
• Weight

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Brain

• Irrational emotional responses
• Memory
• Visual perception

​Skin
If you don't get enough sleep, your body releases more of the stress hormone cortisol in excess amounts. Cortisol can break down skin collagen, the protein that keeps skin smooth and elastic (WebMD).
How much sleep is necessary?
This is a tricky question that varies for everyone, but it is important to talk about.  A safe answer is 7-9 hours on average per night. The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following amounts based on age:

​By: Rebecca Popma

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